Introduction

India and Japan recently held their third 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi. This high-level dialogue, involving both countries’ foreign and defence ministers, is a significant platform for discussing strategic, security, and defence issues. The meeting took place amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Below are the key highlights of the discussions and their implications for the India-Japan relationship.

Key Highlights of the 2+2 Meeting

1. Free and Open Indo-Pacific

• India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, a strategic alignment driven by concerns over China’s growing military presence in the region.
• Both nations expressed strong support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), endorsing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which emphasizes ASEAN’s role in promoting cooperation, stability, and peace.

 2. Defence and Security Cooperation

• The ministers recognized the deepening defence cooperation between India and Japan as a cornerstone of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
• Japan’s National Security Strategy, issued in 2022, further strengthened this bilateral relationship. Key areas of progress included multilateral military exercises, advancements in unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and robotics cooperation.
• Both nations agreed to update their 2008 Joint Declaration to better address contemporary security challenges.

3. Countering Terrorism and Extremism

• The meeting saw a strong condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism, with a particular emphasis on cross-border terrorism.
• Both sides called for the prosecution of those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and other incidents.
• They also stressed the importance of eliminating terrorist safe havens, cutting off financing channels, and preventing the movement of terrorists.

4. Technological Cooperation

• Discussions highlighted the potential transfer of Japan’s Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) technology to India. This system is designed to minimize radar signatures, making warships less detectable and enhancing situational awareness.
• The countries also discussed future cooperation in defence technology, including the maintenance of Japanese naval ships in India. India and Japan collaborate on cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.
• Initiatives like the India-Japan Digital Partnership are designed to enhance digital connectivity and drive innovation.

 5. Women, Peace, and Security (WPS)

• Both countries emphasized the importance of women’s roles in peacekeeping operations and reiterated their support for the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. This global framework aims to address the gendered impacts of conflict and enhance women’s participation in peace processes.

6. Infrastructure Development:

• Japan plays a crucial role in India’s infrastructure development, contributing significantly to major projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train) project.

7. Trade and Investment:

• Both countries actively work to boost trade and investment. Japan is one of India’s major investors, particularly in key sectors such as automobiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

8. Cultural Exchanges:

• India and Japan celebrate their shared cultural heritage through various initiatives, including art exhibitions, film festivals, and academic programs that foster greater cultural understanding.

9. Tourism:

• Tourism between the two countries is on the rise, with Japan becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists, and vice versa. This exchange of experiences helps to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties.

Significance of the “2+2” Dialogue

• Comprehensive Engagement: The “2+2” dialogue format facilitates holistic discussions that integrate diplomatic and defence perspectives, ensuring that both ministries align their strategies and policies effectively.
• Strategic Alignment: In a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, the “2+2” dialogues enable countries to strengthen strategic alignment and deepen mutual understanding with reliable partners who share common interests.
• Indo-Pacific Focus: These dialogues often place significant emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region, a critical area for global security and economic stability. Key discussions typically cover maritime security, freedom of navigation, and efforts to ensure regional stability.

Evolution of the India-Japan Relationship

• The relationship between India and Japan has a long history, beginning in the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan.
• In the post-World War II era, the relationship was revitalized, with India playing a role in Japan’s recovery.
• The relationship grew stronger in the 2000s with the establishment of a “Global Partnership” and later, a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”
• Key areas of cooperation now include defence, security, and economic relations, with significant Japanese investments in India and collaboration in infrastructure projects.

Challenges to India-Japan Relations

1. China’s Influence: China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific creates tension for both India and Japan.
2. Trade Issues: Trade between India and Japan is weaker compared to India’s trade with China. India struggles to access the Japanese market due to language and quality standards.
3. Russia Conflict: India and Japan disagree on how to handle Russia. Japan has sanctioned Russia, while India has not, causing differences.
4. Balancing Alliances: India must balance its roles in the Quad (aligned with the U.S.) and BRICS (including China and Russia), which have different interests.
5. Asia-Africa Project: There are doubts about the success of the joint Asia-Africa Growth Corridor project.
6. Defence Competition: India’s plans to export defence equipment may compete with Japan’s, leading to delays in deals like the purchase of US-2 planes.

ASEAN’s Importance for India and Japan

• ASEAN holds strategic, economic, and geopolitical significance for both India and Japan. For India, ASEAN is crucial for its Act East policy, enhancing trade and regional connectivity.
• Japan sees ASEAN as a major trade partner and investment destination. Both countries collaborate with ASEAN to promote regional stability and uphold a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion

The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting between India and Japan highlighted the growing strategic alignment between the two nations, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. As they continue to deepen their defence and security cooperation, both countries are also looking to address broader regional challenges, including countering terrorism and promoting stability through partnerships with ASEAN. This meeting marks another significant step in the evolving India-Japan relationship, with implications for regional and global security.